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The basics:

• 156-year-old Lum, Drasco & Positan to wind down operations March 1
• 17 attorneys will join Javerbaum Wurgaft, remain in Roseland
• Move expands Javerbaum Wurgaft’s business, commercial legal services

One of the oldest law firms in New Jersey is winding down operations.

Starting March 1, 17 attorneys from Roseland-based Lum, Drasco & Positan LLC will join Springfield-headquartered Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins PC, according to a press release.

After that, they’ll continue to operate their office in Roseland under the Javerbaum Wurgaft name, the firm said.

Founded 156 years ago in Newark, Lum, Drasco & Positan is focused on providing business, litigation, and commercial legal services to clients across New Jersey and New York. Its areas of practice include commercial litigation, labor and employment law, business and corporate law, real estate law, estate planning and dispute resolution.

Established in 1978, Javerbaum Wurgaft is widely recognized for its litigation practice, including personal injury, medical malpractice, criminal defense, employment law, workers’ compensation among other civil litigation matters. The firm has 98 attorneys.

Its footprint of 13 offices includes locations in Newark, Morristown, Elizabeth, Voorhees, Summit, Union, Elmwood Park, Woodbury, Vineland and West New York. Javerbaum Wurgaft also has sites in New York City and Decatur, Ga.

Shared commitment

In a statement, Javerbaum Wurgaft Managing Shareholder Eric Kahn said, “The addition of the Lum attorneys not only broadens our geographic footprint through a dedicated Roseland presence but significantly enhances our depth in business and commercial legal services.”

Rubin Sinins, Javerbaum Wurgaft shareholder, believes the two firms “share a commitment to legal excellence, integrity and client-centered service.”

“Lum’s talented attorneys bring respected practices and long-standing client relationships that will complement and elevate what we do across the region,” he said.

According to the announcement, Lum attorneys joining Javerbaum Wurgaft are:

• Partners:
  • Bernadette Hamilton Condon
  • Dennis Drasco
  • Steven Eisenstein
  • Robert Lipschitz
  • Kevin Murphy
  • Laura Nejes
  • Scott Reiser
  • Paul Sandars III
  • Daniel Santarsiero
  • Gina Sorge
• Of counsel:
  • Jack Baron
  • Judge Richard Camp (retired)
  • Cynthia Matheke
  • Wayne Positan
  • Judge Donald Volkert Jr. (retired)
• Associates:
  • Kieran DeMasi
  • Nancy Moemen

Sandars shared, “Our priority has always been to deliver the highest quality legal counsel.“

The Lum managing partner added, “By joining Javerbaum Wurgaft, we bring our collective experience into a firm that will expand our ability to serve clients with even greater resources and multidisciplinary expertise.”

Drasco commented, “After more than 150 years of serving the business community, we are proud to join forces with a firm that mirrors our values and commitment to exceptional legal representation. This alignment ensures continuity for our clients and opens new horizons for our attorneys as part of a larger, dynamic platform.”